The History of Christmas Lights
Discover the history of Christmas lights, from the holiday's origins in ancient Rome to the first electrically lit tree in a parlor in New York.
April 23, 1896: Thomas Edison Unveils the Vitascope
On April 23, 1896, Thomas Edison unveiled the Vitascope, taking a major step forward in bringing motion pictures to life. Learn about this historic day and Edison's impact on technology, communication and entertainment.
How Art Influences Lighting, Design and Architecture: Charles Eames
Besides the modern era’s renowned architects, such as Wright, Saarinen and Neutra, Charles Eames stands out as a singularly influential designer. This post introduces Eames as one of lighting design’s modern influencers.
10 Eccentric Facts About Nikola Tesla
Nikola Tesla was an inventor, physicist and engineer. One of his greatest inventions was alternating current (AC), the means of electricity that powers civilization and is crucial for lighting. Tesla, who credited reading author Mark Twain’s writing for his recovery from serious illness, became very good friends with Mark Twain.
Who Designed the Classic Ring Pendant in 1964’s Dr. Strangelove’?
The war room ring pendant in Stanley Kubrick’s Dr. Strangelove may be the first modern appearance of the famous ring light trending in conference room lighting today. The epic, 22-foot diameter light hangs over upper echelon military personnel in the fictional depiction of a war room in Kubrick’s movie.
The first Lighting Industry CEO: Thomas Edison
As an industry, electrical lighting is relatively new—less than 150 years old —and it originated thanks to an entrepreneur. This individual conceived of electrical lighting as a process of busy, active thought, contemplation, deliberation, experimentation and invention. His name is Thomas Edison. Edison founded the American lighting industry.
The History and Function of Track Lighting
With a reputation for being dated and generic, track lighting gets less respect than other lighting forms. But, given the history, purpose and record of track lighting, the reputation is undeserved. Track lighting, invented in 1961, offers an important commercial lighting design and function.
Paul Revere’s Lanterns and America’s Independence
As the United States of America celebrates Independence on the Fourth of July, it’s worth remembering lighting’s role in the American Revolution. Revere’s light signal was a backup plan designed to warn patriots in Charlestown, a borough across the river from Boston, in case Revere was arrested by the British occupying Boston and thus unable to initi